Épisodes

  • Healing with AI: Hadassah’s Innovations in Cancer Detection and Treatment

    Healing with AI: Hadassah’s Innovations in Cancer Detection and Treatment
    Jul 17 2025
    On this episode of Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, we’re talking about two medical breakthroughs that are changing the face of cancer detection and treatment in Israel — and beyond.

    First, we explore the Vectra WB360, a cutting-edge digital mole mapping system newly installed at Hadassah and the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Dr. Rony Shreberk-Hassidim, a senior physician in the Department of Dermatology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, explains how this AI-enhanced machine utilizes 92 synchronized cameras to photograph the entire body in under a minute and then tracks changes in moles over time.

    “Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim.

    “The software creates a full body map, flags suspicious lesions and helps us predict which moles could become cancerous.”

    Next, Prof. Aron Popovtzer, director of the Sharett Institute of Oncology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, introduces us to Hadassah’s new vertical proton therapy system, developed in partnership with Israeli startup P-Cure.

    Unlike traditional radiation, which often damages surrounding tissue, this approach minimizes toxicity by using the Bragg peak effect to target tumors precisely — and from a seated position. “It’s such a simple idea,” Prof. Popovtzer says.

    “Instead of rotating a giant radiation beam around the patient, we rotate the patient around the beam.” We also explore the future of personalized cancer treatment, combining liquid biopsies, tissue samples, and artificial intelligence to tailor therapy.

    Both guests agree the future is bright — but caution that ethical and clinical oversight must evolve alongside the technology.

    “AI will never replace the physician,” Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim says. “It assists — but the human context is still essential.”

    Plus, we touch on how war-related stress is impacting cancer rates and skin conditions in Israel today.
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    33 min
  • Colon cancer, gut grief and stool secrets

    Colon cancer, gut grief and stool secrets
    Aug 21 2024
    Poor nutrition, and poor gut health, are among the common indicators of serious health issues. Hadassah expert Dr. David Hakimian, senior gastroenterologist, discusses symptoms and much more.

    In the latest episode of Hadassah On Call, Dr. David Hakimian, a senior gastroenterologist at the Hadassah Medical Organization who specializes in clinical nutrition and bowel diseases, discusses nutrition habits and gut health. He says that your bowel movements can indicate serious health issues. Therefore, a big part of the role of gastroenterologists is to assess changes in bowel movements, such as changes in color and consistency, to detect potential health issues.

    According to Dr. Hakimian, persistent changes should be referred to a physician for proper evaluation. Dr. Hakimian also discusses the role of diet in more severe gut issues, including colon cancer. He says that obesity and an unhealthy diet in the United States may contribute to early colon cancer, while in Israel, a healthier Mediterranean diet may delay its onset.The doctor recommends eating whole foods to improve gut health and reduce symptoms.

    “Eat fresh food. Eat healthy food. Do not eat processed food,” says Dr. Hakimian. He also notes that new personalized and precision medicine methods are being used to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. When it comes to new research, Dr. Hakimian says his team is working on investigating the potential transfer of inflammatory bowel disease from mothers to infants through the microbiome.

    That research may only be ready in a few years. However, the doctor says that if it is discovered that inflammatory bowel disease is physically transferred during birth, there may be ways to stop it.

    Are men or women more inclined to discuss their gut health with their doctors? When it comes to gas, diarrhea, bloating and other uncomfortable GI issues, the doctor admits that men are much more comfortable opening up about them.
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    25 min
  • The Invisible Wound: Living With PTSD

    The Invisible Wound: Living With PTSD
    Jun 25 2024
    On this month's episode of Hadassah On Call, we discusses how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect individuals who have experienced traumatic events as well as those close to them.

    Some 500,000 Israelis have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the October 7 Hamas attack, says Dr. Shiri Ben-David. This figure does not include those Israelis who are suffering but may not have a diagnosis.

    Roughly 20 percent of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD, and Dr. Ben-David outlines symptoms of PTSD, such as sleep difficulties, concentration issues, irritability, and anger. She explains that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, or those with previous trauma experiences are more susceptible to PTSD.

    Since October 7 and the opening of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, Jerusalem's largest and most comprehensive physical and mental health healing facility, Hadassah has been working on hiring more staff and providing psychological services to people harmed or displaced by the massacre. Ben-David says the best way the community can help people with mental disorders is to integrate them into society.
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    31 min
  • How important are the correct shoes? Doctor weighs in

    How important are the correct shoes? Doctor weighs in
    May 15 2024
    How important are the correct shoes? Is foot health only crucial if you are diabetic? Simple fractures, arthritis—what are the new treatments?

    On this month's episode of Hadassah On Call, we're talking to Dr. Yechiel Gellman, senior foot and ankle surgeon at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Dr. Yechiel Gellman shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of foot and ankle surgery, emphasizing the importance of patient education, collaboration and staying updated with technological advancements.

    The conversation concludes with insights into the future of foot and ankle surgery, focusing on advancements in biological treatments, regenerative medicine and better diagnostic tools, all of which are being used at Hadassah.
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    27 min
  • #EndTheSilence: Addressing sexual violence after October 7

    #EndTheSilence: Addressing sexual violence after October 7
    Mar 31 2024
    In this Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine episode, we sit down with Dr. Dvora Bauman, director of the Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Returning as a guest, Dr. Bauman sheds light on the pressing issue of sexual violence stemming from the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, discussing its implications and the challenges ahead.

    “Sexual violence shouldn’t be part of the war. No more,” says Bauman. “That’s a crime.”
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    29 min
  • Pulse Check: Beating Heart Disease

    Pulse Check: Beating Heart Disease
    Mar 7 2024
    In this month's episode of Hadassah on Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, we speak with Dr. Donna Zfat-Zwas, a cardiologist and the director of the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. A guest on our podcast previously, she delves into women's heart health, exploring strategies for maintaining a healthy heart and outlining practical treatment approaches for those facing heart-related challenges.
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    32 min
  • All Ears: Hearing Loss Treatments & Trends

    All Ears: Hearing Loss Treatments & Trends
    Feb 10 2024
    In this newest episode, host Maayan Hoffman sits down with Dr. Michal Kaufmann to discuss the global impact of hearing loss, which affects over 1.5 billion people in at least one ear, with around 430 million requiring rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss. Dr. Kaufmann discusses the prevalence of difficulty hearing among adults and advancements in preventing, recognizing, and treating hearing loss. She also sheds light on new treatments and identifies suitable candidates for these interventions.
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    38 min